Reduction of 1-phenyl-1, 2-propanedione with baker's yeast afforded (1R, 2S)-1-phenyl-1, 2-propanediol in high chemical and optical yield. (1R, 2S)-, (1R, 2R)- and (1S, 2S)-1, 2-propanediols were also prepared via (1R)- or (2S)-α-ketols, which were obtained as intermediates of the above reaction.

This study demonstrates a high-yield, chemically and optically active synthesis of 1-phenyl-1,2-propanediol using baker's yeast, with potential applications in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.

Paper

Synthesis of optically active 1-phenyl-1,2-propanediol by use of baker's yeast.

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